Highlights of the Speech by Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shar'a on the Sweida Events Following the Ceasefire Announcement

In a speech today, Saturday, July 19, Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shar'a warned of the danger of recent developments in the province of Sweida, describing them as a "dangerous turn" in the Syrian scene. He emphasized that the clashes between local groups almost spiraled out of control if it weren't for the swift intervention of the state to contain the situation and prevent its escalation.

President Al-Shar'a explained that the state managed to calm the situation in Sweida despite its complexities, noting that "Israeli intervention through direct shelling in the south and targeting government institutions in Damascus pushed the country into an extremely dangerous phase," prompting American and Arab mediations to de-escalate.

He also pointed out that the state's withdrawal from some areas of Sweida created a security vacuum exploited by local groups to launch retaliatory attacks against families and tribes, leading to human rights violations and prompting Bedouin tribes to act to lift the siege on their sons.

The president emphasized that the state "has always stood by Sweida after the liberation of Syria, politically and humanely," considering that empowering some groups abroad and turning the province into a battleground for regional conflicts "does not serve the interests of Syrians but rather complicates crises."

He affirmed that the state is the sole guarantor of Syria's sovereignty and dignity, calling on everyone to unite to overcome this critical stage. He praised the American role in supporting diplomatic solutions, and the positions of the European Union, Russia, and China rejecting Israeli aggression.

In a related context, President Al-Shar'a commended the national role of the Druze community, warning against generalizing judgments on its members due to "the actions of a limited group that do not represent the ancient history of the Druze," affirming that Sweida "will remain an integral part of the Syrian state."

He concluded his speech by reaffirming the state's commitment to protecting all Syrian components and holding violators accountable, calling for "the voice of reason" to prevail and for the wise to contribute to resolving the crisis. He also reiterated his rejection of partition projects, emphasizing that Syria's strength lies in the cohesion of its people and its regional and international relations.